By Sava Hassan (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-20 07:20

As a Canadian Egyptian who has lived in Canada for more than 27 years, I was influenced by the negative views about China that were abundant in many Western newspapers.

They were fond of portraying the nation in a dark light. Reading those views instilled in me an irrational fear and hesitation toward fulfilling my lifelong dream of visiting the land of a glorious history - China.

As I grew older, I was able to conquer those fears and venture, with a little apprehension, to the land which the Western media had described as "lacking in freedoms".

On arriving in China, I discovered that those biased views were greatly exaggerated and had nothing to do with the true China.

I found the Chinese to be a peace loving people, having a friendly attitude, and harbored absolutely no intention whatsoever of invading or controlling other nations.

Their focus is developing their country and establishing friendly relations with other nations, and to this end, they have made remarkable achievements.

When I came to Beijing, I found a modern city with diversified cultures. I could visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and also could go to night clubs, fitness centers and exotic restaurants. Beijing is just a case in point to illustrate how China develops.

However, with the demise of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War, some countries and groups have attempted to curb the rapid development of China.

Being aware of the fact that they would not be able to contain China, they have resorted to devious means to weaken it.

A small number of power hungry individuals have been enticed to stir up trouble and sow distrust between the different ethnic groups living peacefully.

Taking a closer look at events that are taking place in Tibet, one can see that hidden external forces are at work aiming to cause trouble before the 2008 Olympics.

Referring to newspapers and other media reports after China was awarded the right to hold the 2008 Olympics, it was apparent that the Western media was out to cast doubt about China's capability to complete the necessary infrastructure to hold such an event.

Ignoring China's efforts to significantly improve its environment, some outsiders have kept silent about the problem in their own countries but have concentrated their attacks on China. They have also tried to politicalize the Games.

On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the appalling violence in Tibet - in which rioters used "extremely cruel" means to kill and injure innocent people - was aimed at undermining the Beijing Olympic Games.

"We have ample evidence to prove that the riots were organized, premeditated, masterminded and incited by the Dalai clique," Wen said.

However, he emphasized the door was still open for dialogue. "The Chinese government's original position is still unchanged It is up to his actions We need to watch what the Dalai Lama does."

Beyond my apprehension, the Western media still seized upon the opportunity to magnify the number of causalities and the extent of the riots despite the local government and public security forces exercising "extreme restraint" to quell the riots in line with the law.

Living in China and observing the country's friendship and development, I believe that one should be cautious when reading or listening to the Western media's biased reports about the incident.

I have witnessed the Chinese government exerting extra efforts to develop Tibet and raise the living standards of its people.

The central government has also planned to invest 77.8 billion yuan ($10.23 billion ) in 180 projects in Tibet between 2006 and 2010 to improve local infrastructure and the living and production conditions for local farmers and herdsmen.

It is strange the Western media ignores the voices of majority of the Tibetans that Tibet is an inalienable part of China, but listens to a small group intent on seeking so-called independence.

I think Chinese from all walks of life will unite together to destroy any plot to drive a wedge between them.

As for foreign forces, they should learn from previous intervention disasters and avoid meddling in the affairs of other nations. Iraq and Afghanistan are examples.

I do believe that the events that are taking place in Tibet is a Chinese internal matter and should be handled by the Chinese government without interference from outsiders.

The author is a Canadian Egyptian educator

(China Daily 03/20/2008 page9)